Project Manager - EU Institutions (ENG/ITA)

The Cyber & Security Division of Leonardo Belgium, part of the Leonardo group, focuses on mission-critical services for EU Agencies, NATO and space organizations.

Based in Brussels, our team operates at the heart of the European Institutions ecosystem, managing complex framework contracts and delivering high-impact projects in close coordination with our engineering and delivery teams across Europe.

We offer a dynamic and international environment where project management excellence, operational rigor, and collaboration are key to success.

We are looking for a results-driven and experienced Project Manager to lead the planning, execution, and delivery of digital and cybersecurity projects, as well as Specific Contracts under Framework Contracts (Time & Material, Service, and Fixed Price) within the EU public sector environment.

The role includes coordinating project requests, managing contractual and financial aspects, and overseeing teams and operations to ensure delivery on time, within scope, and within budget.

The successful candidate will apply structured project management methodologies, proactively manage risks and issues, build strong client and stakeholder relationships, and contribute to continuous operational and process improvements.

Key responsibilities

• Project Management & Delivery: Lead the full lifecycle of projects and Specific Contracts, from request to closure. Plan activities, allocate resources, manage teams, monitor progress, and ensure delivery on time, within scope and budget, applying structured methodologies (PM², PMP, PRINCE2) to ensure best practices in scope, quality, schedule and cost management, while proactively identifying and mitigating risks to maximize project efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

• Contract Management: Lead the administration of project contracts, including financial oversight, invoicing, claims, variation orders, amendments, and compliance with contractual obligations. Ensure accurate tracking of budget, expenditures and forecasts.

• Client and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong client relationships; act as a trusted point of contact for contractual and financial matters; manage expectations and ensure client satisfaction.

• Consortium/Subcontractor Collaboration: Coordinate activities with partners & subcontractors, ensuring adherence to contractual obligations.

• Risk and Issue Management: Identify, analyze, and mitigate project risks; implement corrective actions; track and resolve contractual issues, including potential disputes.

• Framework Contract Management: Act as the responsible owner of framework contracts, ensuring structured client management and the acquisition of new orders. Oversee the execution of all contract types (Time & Material, Service, Fixed Price), guaranteeing compliance with contractual terms, timely delivery, and quality standards.

• Reporting and Documentation: Prepare project status reports, dashboards and presentations; document meeting minutes, decisions, and contract-related changes; maintain knowledge repositories.

• Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements for project governance, reporting, and operational efficiency.

• New Initiatives: Support the development and analysis of new projects and contracts, ensuring financial, legal and operational feasibility.

Required Experience

• 5+ years of experience as Project Manager in international, EU Institutional, public sector, or similarly complex environments

• Experience managing projects with minimum individual value of €10 million, including direct responsibility for financial management (budgeting, cost tracking, forecasting, margin monitoring) and use of cost control methodologies (e.g. Earned Value Management or equivalent)

• Understanding of project financial concepts including revenue recognition, invoicing, and cash collection

• Experience managing contractual aspects of projects, including amendments, change requests, and variation orders

• Experience managing digital, IT, or cybersecurity projects in complex contractual environments

Education & Certifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g. Engineering, Business, Economics, Management) or equivalent professional experience

• Practical knowledge of project management methodologies (PM², PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent), preferably supported by a certification

Key Skills

• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and cross-functional teams

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and PM tools (MS Project, JIRA, Asana or similar)

• Business-level fluency in English and Italian; French is a plus

Personal attributes

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills in complex environments

• Proactive, solution-oriented mindset with strong decision-making abilities

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in multicultural teams

• High attention to detail with strong analytical capabilities

• Resilience and ability to perform under pressure

What we have to offer

• A strategic role at the core of high-impact EU projects in digital and cybersecurity

• A permanent contract with the internationally renowned company Leonardo, the Italian leader in Cyber Security

• A hybrid work model combining flexibility and on-site collaboration in Brussels

• Exposure to complex, large-scale projects involving international stakeholders

• A multicultural and collaborative environment with strong interaction across teams and countries, and opportunities for professional growth

• A supportive and inclusive work culture where innovation thrives and collaboration flourishes

• A competitive salary based on experience, skills, and industry requirements

If you are looking to be part of a dynamic team in a human scale structure, engage with the latest technologies, and contribute to innovative projects within the Cyber & Security Division at Leonardo Belgium, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our forward-thinking organization!